Contents
In short
- A salvage title means an insurer declared the car a total loss.
- A rebuilt (or reconstructed) title means it was repaired and passed a state inspection.
- Rebuilt cars are cheaper but harder to insure, finance and resell.
- Title washing moves a car to another state to hide its brand.
- Check the title's history and inspect the repair before buying.
The main title brands
- Clean: no brand recorded.
- Salvage: declared a total loss by an insurer after an accident, theft, flood or fire. It usually can't be registered for the road until repaired and inspected.
- Rebuilt / reconstructed: repaired and approved by the state for the road again. The brand stays on the title.
- Flood, fire, hail, lemon buyback: other brands depending on the state.
Each state uses its own wording and thresholds, so the same car can be branded differently from one state to another.
The risks of a rebuilt car
- Repair quality: from professional to dangerous, especially around airbags and structure.
- Insurance: some insurers only offer liability coverage or refuse.
- Financing: many lenders won't finance a branded title.
- Resale: expect a significantly lower value, both when you buy and when you sell.
Title washing and how to check
Title washing means registering a branded car in a state with weaker rules to obtain a clean-looking title. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), run by the federal government, collects title brands from the states; reports are available through approved providers.
- Look at the paper title and its state of issue.
- Check the title history through an NMVTIS provider.
- Check for insurance total loss and flood records with the free VINCheck tool from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
- Have the repair inspected by an independent body shop or mechanic.
Written by
The Carvizia team
Every day we analyze used car listings: engines, common problems, maintenance and market value. Our guides bring together what to check before you buy, without jargon.
About usFrequently asked questions
Is a rebuilt title car worth buying?
It can be, at the right price and with a proven quality repair. Get insurance and financing quotes before you commit.
Can a dealer sell a salvage title car without telling me?
Branded titles must be disclosed, but rules vary by state. Always look at the title itself before you sign.
What's the difference between salvage and rebuilt?
Salvage: declared a total loss and not road-legal yet. Rebuilt: repaired and approved by the state to drive again.